Jim Greer enters guilty plea to theft, money laundering

Ousted former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer this morning abruptly ended what was expected to be a painful unraveling of state party secrets by entering a surprise plea to criminal charges.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and money laundering. The state dropped the fraud count. The sentence has not yet been announced.

His guilty pleas could result in a total sentence of 35 years in prison. No word yet on whether there’s an agreement on time he’s to serve. That will play out at a March 27 sentencing hearing. Greer is being sent home.

ORLANDO -- After two weeks of behind-the-scenes wrangling, former GOP party chairman Jim Greer walked into court Monday morning and pleaded guilty to grand theft and money laundering charges that could put him behind bars for 3 and 1/2 years.

Greer declined to talk with a crowd of reporters who had been awaiting a two-week trial that promised testimony from former Gov. Charlie Crist and a who’s who of Republican politicians.

Greer entered a one word “guilty’’ plea to four counts of grand theft and a single count of money laundering. There was no plea bargain, noted statewide prosecutor Nick Cox ,who admitted struggling with what should be done.

“We do see him going to jail, but don’t know how long we’ll recommend,’’ said assistant statewide prosecutor Michael S. Williams, who was the lead trial prosecutor.

5. While this is good news, I would rather have the state Republican parties dirty laundry aired. nt

6. How is this good news?

He was about to tip over the power base in the Republican base. Yes, it might have reached over and taken Charlie Crist down with him, but I don't see that as a win for us that we still have potential unknown issues to deal with in the future.

In Florida, everything that can take down a corrupt power base is shut down with settlement agreements. That's why we can't bring in good, honest leaders without track records.